Sharjah launches largest solar power plant to advance decarbonization goals

Sharjah National Oil Corporation (SNOC) and Emerge Limited, a joint venture between Masdar and the EDF Group, celebrated a key milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the largest solar installation in Sharjah to date. The ceremony marks the commencement of construction on the 60MWp ground-mounted solar PV plant located at SNOC’s Sajaa Gas Complex.

Once operational, the solar plant will generate sufficient clean energy to offset 66,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually. This significant reduction in emissions is equivalent to removing over 14,600 cars from the road each year, underscoring the project’s substantial environmental benefits. The initiative is a core part of SNOC’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2032 and aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ ambitious Net-Zero 2050 strategy.

The project will dramatically reduce SNOC’s reliance on conventional fossil fuels, providing a cost-effective and sustainable source of clean energy. This strategic shift not only supports SNOC’s decarbonization objectives but also contributes to the broader sustainability goals of the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE. SNOC Chief Executive Officer, Hatem Al Mosa, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s role in meeting these goals and the potential for future collaborations in renewable energy.

Emerge Limited will oversee the entire project lifecycle under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) agreement. This comprehensive management includes financing, design, procurement, construction, operation, and maintenance of the solar modules for a period of 25 years. Michel Abi Saab, General Manager of Emerge, highlighted the project’s significance in enabling SNOC to meet its decarbonization targets and secure a more cost-effective energy future for Sharjah.

This solar project represents a significant advancement in renewable energy deployment within the UAE, showcasing how strategic partnerships and innovative financing models can facilitate the transition to sustainable energy solutions. The project not only supports the UAE’s energy diversification efforts but also sets a benchmark for other regions in the Middle East to follow. By integrating large-scale renewable projects like this solar plant, Sharjah is positioning itself at the forefront of the region’s energy transformation, promising a greener and more sustainable future.

As the project progresses, it will serve as a critical component of the UAE’s strategy to enhance energy security, reduce carbon footprint, and promote environmental sustainability, playing a pivotal role in achieving the country’s Net-Zero 2050 objectives.